Babies don't want to be held

[TwoCrows]

I have 4, 2 1/2 week old Australorp chicks which I have been handling since day one. I am very careful and quiet around them and started by picking them up in the brooder or letting them climb on my hands at first. After the first week, I was picking them up and taking them out to feed on the floor or table which they really enjoy. They always squirmed a bit about being picked up, but now they are really getting afraid of being picked up. They scream, squirm and run from me. They readily eat from my hands in the brooder and are not at all afraid of my hand when I put it in with them. As a matter of fact, they always come bounding over to see if I have a treat from them.

So my question is, am I doing something wrong in that they are getting worse in wanting to be picked up? Will they settle down when they get older?

 

[TN_BIRD]

Mine are a bit frightened too. I haven't had them since day one, though.

We try not to come swooping down on them from the top when we handle them. Seems I read it's pretty instinctual for chickens (and probably most animals) to be frightened of anything that comes at them from the top or from behind. Hopefully they will warm up to us.

 

[Mahonri]

Give them some time... and as they get older you'll be able to find out what treats they like.

At about a month old, mine learned to love day old bread. ALL of my chickens know when I have day old bread and they will jump on my shoulders, lap etc...

Some of the older ones just like to jump in my lap for me to tickle their muffs and beards...

BUT...it was the bread that got them there.

 

[looptloop]

My new chicks are absolutely *terrified* of me. My others were too when they were little, now they practically trip me when they see me coming.

 

[squeakyballs]

My chicks are flighty
Until they start to lay eggs
Then they all chillax

 

[donrae]

I was taught to hold them on one hand and cover them with the other, to put them to sleep for a minute, then once they relax gradually move the top hand. When it's dark and they're covered, they usually relax to sleep. Don't know if it works with older chicks?

 

[txhomegrown]

Covering their eyes will calm them down. It works with most birds no matter what size they are. I am sure everyone has seen pictures of guys that have falcons and such. They keep the blindfold on to keep the bird calm until it is time to fly.

 

[StormyMoon]

Pretend your the momma and peck the sides of the box, or peck the food with your finger it always works with mine

 

[ChicksterJo]

I found that my red sex links and EEs didn't like to get handled when they were younger. Now that they are about 8 weeks old they pretty much like to hop onto my lap. The flightiest one of them all now loves to sit in the palm of my hand! It might take some time but remember to put your palm up and approach them from the front.